Calendar for March 17th, 2013

St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick was the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland.

Long before the shamrock became associated with St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), the four-leaf clover was regarded by ancient Celts as a charm against evil spirits.

In the early 1900s, O. H. Benson, an Iowa school superintendent, came up with the idea of using a clover as the emblem for a newly founded agricultural club for children in his area. In 1911, the four-leaf clover was chosen as the emblem for the national club program, later named 4-H.

If you're inclined toward the legend, lore, and festivities of the saint and how the Irish honor him, check out this St. Patrick's Day site, where you'll find everything from parades to recipes.

Every Year

St. Patrick's Day

Evacuation Day (Suffolk County, Massachussets)

460s

461: On this day, St. Patrick died. As a boy, Patrick was captured and carried off from Britain to Ireland tend sheep. After six years, he escaped. Later, he to Ireland and spread the word of Christianity.

1750s

Born 1751: Anders Dahl (botanist; dahlia named for him)

1755: The Transylvania Land Company bought what became the state of Kentucky for $50,000, from a Cherokee Indian chief

1770s

1776: British Army evacuated Boston

Born 1777: Robert B. Taney (Supreme Court justice)

1840s

1845: The rubber band was patented by Stephen Perry

1890s

1898: John Phillip Holland launched first modern submarine off Staten Island, NY